Trump tried to stage a celebration. America found someone else to cheer for.
Key Points:
- UFC fighter Josh Hokit insulted former first lady Michelle Obama after a cage match near the White House, sparking a social media wave celebrating Obama’s grace and accomplishments instead of focusing on the insult.
- The article highlights a recurring pattern in the Trump era where attempts to glorify Trump and demean his opponents often backfire, leading the public to elevate those targeted instead.
- Trump’s efforts to gain admiration—through events like UFC fights, Knicks games, and national celebrations—have frequently been met with public indifference, ridicule, or outright opposition.
- The piece contrasts Trump’s divisive approach with the unifying power of sports, which serve as a communal celebration transcending race and class, something Trump reportedly fails to understand.
- Ultimately, the article suggests Trump’s desire for respect and fear is undermined by his inability to inspire genuine loyalty or belong to a community without dominance, as reflected in the negative reception to his staged events.